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RESOLVED:
 

1.   
That Cabinet notes the benefits and opportunities
that this business support programme will bring to Surrey-based
businesses and the manufacturing sector across the South East
region.
 

2.   
That Cabinet approves the Council taking on the
Accountable Body role for this regional programme, should the
Council be successful in its bid to the Department for Business and
Trade.
 

3.   
That Cabinet endorses the proposed approach to
partnership working, collaboration, and co-design with other
regional partners.
 

4.   
That Cabinet gives ‘Approval to Procure’
for the commissioning of the Made Smarter Programme up to the value
of £1.3m for financial year 2025-26, should the Council be
successful in its bid to the Department for Business and
Trade.
 

5.   
That Cabinet approves the delegation of the
appropriate procurement route to market and any contract award
decisions to the Executive Director with responsibility for
Economic Growth in consultation with the Cabinet Member for
Highways, Transport and Economic Growth.
 
Reasons for
Decisions:
 
In
order to roll out the programme to the South East region, the
Department for Business and Trade requires a local authority to
take on the role of Accountable Body. The Council’s proposal
would secure the roll-out from April 2025 and ensure Surrey-based
manufacturing SMEs can access the scheme. This also presents a key
opportunity for the Council to demonstrate a leadership role within
the region and will help establish and nurture an important
strategic partnership with DBT for future opportunities.

(The decisions on this item can be
called-in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select
Committee)